Music Professor to Perform with ‘Nutcracker’ Orchestra, Boston Pops

David Martins to Play Clarinet at More Than 30 Holiday Season Shows with Boston Ballet, Keith Lockhart

LOWELL, Mass. ߝ UMass Lowell Prof. David Martins has performed extensively with the Boston Pops, the Boston Pops Esplanade orchestra. He has played Symphony Hall, Tanglewood and on national television for the Fourth of July celebration.

But this year, Martins will be put to a new test, playing with the orchestra for the famous Boston Ballet production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” as clarinetist in 36 performances.

“Playing Tchaikovksy’s score is gratifying and challenging ߝ like all performers, I approach each show as if it is the first, since it is the first for the audience,” said Martins, a Westford resident who was chosen for the esteemed position based on auditions and recommendations.

Following “The Nutcracker” run, Martins will perform along with soloist Amanda Palmer with the Boston Pops and conductor Keith Lockhart on New Year’s Eve. Martins earned the New Year’s honor after he was asked by the Pops to substitute for the regular bass clarinetist.

With a dual career as a performer and conductor, Martins balances orchestral and chamber engagements with teaching. He teaches music performance at UMass Lowell, including woodwinds. He is also the music director of the Lowell Summer Concert Band, the Boston University Wind Ensemble, and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble.

UMass Lowell, with a national reputation in science, engineering and technology, is committed to educating students for lifelong success in a diverse world and conducting research and outreach activities that sustain the economic, environmental and social health of the region. UML offers its 12,000 students more than 120 degree choices, internships, five-year combined bachelor’s to master’s programs and doctoral studies in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Management, the School of Health and Environment, and the Graduate School of Education.www.uml.edu.